Feathers Fly and Blood Flows in the Popular Sport of Cockfighting

Feathers Fly and Blood Flows in the Popular Sport of Cockfighting

Cockfight in Colombia

Jan Sochor/CON

A cockfighting rooster looks on in the breeding station in Cucuta, Colombia, 1 May 2006. Cockfight is a widely popular and legal sporting event in much of Latin America. The fight is usually held in an arena (gallera in spanish) with seats for spectators. There is always gambling involved in cockfights. People take advantage of cock's natural, strong will to fight against all males of the same species. Birds are specially bred to increase their aggression and stamina, they are given the best of food and care. The cocks are equipped with tortoise-shell made gaffs tied to the bird's leg. The fight is not intentionally to the death but it may result in the death of cocks very often.

A cockfighting rooster looks on in the breeding station in Cucuta, Colombia, 1 May 2006. Cockfight is a widely popular and legal sporting event in much of Latin America. The fight is usually held in an arena (gallera in spanish) with seats for spectators. There is always gambling involved in cockfights. People take advantage of cock's natural, strong will to fight against all males of the same species. Birds are specially bred to increase their aggression and stamina, they are given the best of food and care. The cocks are equipped with tortoise-shell made gaffs tied to the bird's leg. The fight is not intentionally to the death but it may result in the death of cocks very often.

Cockfight in Colombia

Jan Sochor/CON

A cockfighting rooster seen during feeding in the breeding station in Cucuta, Colombia on May 01, 2006. Cockfight is a widely popular and legal sporting event in much of Latin America. The fight is usually held in an arena (gallera in spanish) with seats for spectators. There is always gambling involved in cockfights. People take advantage of cock's natural, strong will to fight against all males of the same species. Birds are specially bred to increase their aggression and stamina, they are given the best of food and care. The cocks are equipped with tortoise-shell made gaffs tied to the bird's leg. The fight is not intentionally to the death but it may result in the death of cocks very often.

A cockfighting rooster seen during feeding in the breeding station in Cucuta, Colombia on May 01, 2006. Cockfight is a widely popular and legal sporting event in much of Latin America. The fight is usually held in an arena (gallera in spanish) with seats for spectators. There is always gambling involved in cockfights. People take advantage of cock's natural, strong will to fight against all males of the same species. Birds are specially bred to increase their aggression and stamina, they are given the best of food and care. The cocks are equipped with tortoise-shell made gaffs tied to the bird's leg. The fight is not intentionally to the death but it may result in the death of cocks very often.

Cockfight in Colombia

Jan Sochor/CON

Two cocks fight in a breeding station close to Cucuta, Colombia on May 01, 2006. Cockfight is a widely popular and legal sporting event in much of Latin America. The fight is usually held in an arena (gallera in spanish) with seats for spectators. There is always gambling involved in cockfights. People take advantage of cock's natural, strong will to fight against all males of the same species. Birds are specially bred to increase their aggression and stamina, they are given the best of food and care. The cocks are equipped with tortoise-shell made gaffs tied to the bird's leg. The fight is not intentionally to the death but it may result in the death of cocks very often.

Two cocks fight in a breeding station close to Cucuta, Colombia on May 01, 2006. Cockfight is a widely popular and legal sporting event in much of Latin America. The fight is usually held in an arena (gallera in spanish) with seats for spectators. There is always gambling involved in cockfights. People take advantage of cock's natural, strong will to fight against all males of the same species. Birds are specially bred to increase their aggression and stamina, they are given the best of food and care. The cocks are equipped with tortoise-shell made gaffs tied to the bird's leg. The fight is not intentionally to the death but it may result in the death of cocks very often.

Cockfight in Colombia

Jan Sochor/CON

A Colombian cock trainer observes a training cockfight in Villavicencio, Colombia on April 17 2006. Cockfight is a widely popular and legal sporting event in much of Latin America. The fight is usually held in an arena (gallera in spanish) with seats for spectators. There is always gambling involved in cockfights. People take advantage of cock's natural, strong will to fight against all males of the same species. Birds are specially bred to increase their aggression and stamina, they are given the best of food and care. The cocks are equipped with tortoise-shell made gaffs tied to the bird's leg. The fight is not intentionally to the death but it may result in the death of cocks very often.

A Colombian cock trainer observes a training cockfight in Villavicencio, Colombia on April 17 2006. Cockfight is a widely popular and legal sporting event in much of Latin America. The fight is usually held in an arena (gallera in spanish) with seats for spectators. There is always gambling involved in cockfights. People take advantage of cock's natural, strong will to fight against all males of the same species. Birds are specially bred to increase their aggression and stamina, they are given the best of food and care. The cocks are equipped with tortoise-shell made gaffs tied to the bird's leg. The fight is not intentionally to the death but it may result in the death of cocks very often.

Cockfight in Colombia

Jan Sochor/CON

A white fighting cock, covered in blood, attacks its rival in the arena in Santa Marta, Colombia on May 20, 2006. Cockfight is a widely popular and legal sporting event in much of Latin America. The fight is usually held in an arena (gallera in spanish) with seats for spectators. There is always gambling involved in cockfights. People take advantage of cock's natural, strong will to fight against all males of the same species. Birds are specially bred to increase their aggression and stamina, they are given the best of food and care. The cocks are equipped with tortoise-shell made gaffs tied to the bird's leg. The fight is not intentionally to the death but it may result in the death of cocks very often.

A white fighting cock, covered in blood, attacks its rival in the arena in Santa Marta, Colombia on May 20, 2006. Cockfight is a widely popular and legal sporting event in much of Latin America. The fight is usually held in an arena (gallera in spanish) with seats for spectators. There is always gambling involved in cockfights. People take advantage of cock's natural, strong will to fight against all males of the same species. Birds are specially bred to increase their aggression and stamina, they are given the best of food and care. The cocks are equipped with tortoise-shell made gaffs tied to the bird's leg. The fight is not intentionally to the death but it may result in the death of cocks very often.

Cockfighting in Colombia

Jan Sochor/CON

A fighting cock in the cage seen before the beginning of the match in the arena of San Miguel, Bogota, Colombia on April 07, 2006. Cockfight is a widely popular and legal sporting event in much of Latin America. The fight is usually held in an arena (gallera in spanish) with seats for spectators. There is always gambling involved in cockfights. People take advantage of cock's natural, strong will to fight against all males of the same species. Birds are specially bred to increase their aggression and stamina, they are given the best of food and care. The cocks are equipped with tortoise-shell made gaffs tied to the bird's leg. The fight is not intentionally to the death but it may result in the death of cocks very often.

A fighting cock in the cage seen before the beginning of the match in the arena of San Miguel, Bogota, Colombia on April 07, 2006. Cockfight is a widely popular and legal sporting event in much of Latin America. The fight is usually held in an arena (gallera in spanish) with seats for spectators. There is always gambling involved in cockfights. People take advantage of cock's natural, strong will to fight against all males of the same species. Birds are specially bred to increase their aggression and stamina, they are given the best of food and care. The cocks are equipped with tortoise-shell made gaffs tied to the bird's leg. The fight is not intentionally to the death but it may result in the death of cocks very often.

Cockfighting in Colombia

Jan Sochor/CON

Cocks fight in the arena in Villavicencio, Colombia on April 18, 2006. Cockfight is a widely popular and legal sporting event in most of Latin American countries. The fight is usually held in an arena (gallera in spanish) with seats for spectators. There is always gambling involved in cockfights. People take advantage of cock's natural, strong will to fight against all males of the same species. Birds are specially bred to increase their aggression and stamina, they are given the best of food and care. The cocks are equipped with tortoise-shell made gaffs tied to the bird's leg. The fight is not intentionally to the death but it may result in the death of cocks very often.

Cocks fight in the arena in Villavicencio, Colombia on April 18, 2006. Cockfight is a widely popular and legal sporting event in most of Latin American countries. The fight is usually held in an arena (gallera in spanish) with seats for spectators. There is always gambling involved in cockfights. People take advantage of cock's natural, strong will to fight against all males of the same species. Birds are specially bred to increase their aggression and stamina, they are given the best of food and care. The cocks are equipped with tortoise-shell made gaffs tied to the bird's leg. The fight is not intentionally to the death but it may result in the death of cocks very often.

Cockfight in Colombia

Jan Sochor/CON

A cockfighting rooster looks on in a cage in the breeding station in Cucuta, Colombia on May 01, 2006. Cockfight is a widely popular and legal sporting event in much of Latin America. The fight is usually held in an arena (gallera in spanish) with seats for spectators. There is always gambling involved in cockfights. People take advantage of cock's natural, strong will to fight against all males of the same species. Birds are specially bred to increase their aggression and stamina, they are given the best of food and care. The cocks are equipped with tortoise-shell made gaffs tied to the bird's leg. The fight is not intentionally to the death but it may result in the death of cocks very often.

A cockfighting rooster looks on in a cage in the breeding station in Cucuta, Colombia on May 01, 2006. Cockfight is a widely popular and legal sporting event in much of Latin America. The fight is usually held in an arena (gallera in spanish) with seats for spectators. There is always gambling involved in cockfights. People take advantage of cock's natural, strong will to fight against all males of the same species. Birds are specially bred to increase their aggression and stamina, they are given the best of food and care. The cocks are equipped with tortoise-shell made gaffs tied to the bird's leg. The fight is not intentionally to the death but it may result in the death of cocks very often.

Cockfight in Colombia

Jan Sochor/CON

A cockfighting rooster waves its wings in the breeding station in Cucuta, Colombia on May 01, 2006. Cockfight is a widely popular and legal sporting event in much of Latin America. The fight is usually held in an arena (gallera in spanish) with seats for spectators. There is always gambling involved in cockfights. People take advantage of cock's natural, strong will to fight against all males of the same species. Birds are specially bred to increase their aggression and stamina, they are given the best of food and care. The cocks are equipped with tortoise-shell made gaffs tied to the bird's leg. The fight is not intentionally to the death but it may result in the death of cocks very often.

A cockfighting rooster waves its wings in the breeding station in Cucuta, Colombia on May 01, 2006. Cockfight is a widely popular and legal sporting event in much of Latin America. The fight is usually held in an arena (gallera in spanish) with seats for spectators. There is always gambling involved in cockfights. People take advantage of cock's natural, strong will to fight against all males of the same species. Birds are specially bred to increase their aggression and stamina, they are given the best of food and care. The cocks are equipped with tortoise-shell made gaffs tied to the bird's leg. The fight is not intentionally to the death but it may result in the death of cocks very often.

Cockfight in Colombia

Jan Sochor/CON

A cockfighting rooster seen in the breeding station in Cucuta, Colombia, 1 May 2006. Cockfight is a widely popular and legal sporting event in much of Latin America. The fight is usually held in an arena (gallera in spanish) with seats for spectators. There is always gambling involved in cockfights. People take advantage of cock's natural, strong will to fight against all males of the same species. Birds are specially bred to increase their aggression and stamina, they are given the best of food and care. The cocks are equipped with tortoise-shell made gaffs tied to the bird's leg. The fight is not intentionally to the death but it may result in the death of cocks very often.

A cockfighting rooster seen in the breeding station in Cucuta, Colombia, 1 May 2006. Cockfight is a widely popular and legal sporting event in much of Latin America. The fight is usually held in an arena (gallera in spanish) with seats for spectators. There is always gambling involved in cockfights. People take advantage of cock's natural, strong will to fight against all males of the same species. Birds are specially bred to increase their aggression and stamina, they are given the best of food and care. The cocks are equipped with tortoise-shell made gaffs tied to the bird's leg. The fight is not intentionally to the death but it may result in the death of cocks very often.

Cockfight in Colombia

Jan Sochor/CON

Fighting cock seen in the breeding station in Cucuta, Colombia in May 01, 2006. Cockfight is a widely popular and legal sporting event in much of Latin America. The fight is usually held in an arena (gallera in spanish) with seats for spectators. There is always gambling involved in cockfights. People take advantage of cock's natural, strong will to fight against all males of the same species. Birds are specially bred to increase their aggression and stamina, they are given the best of food and care. The cocks are equipped with tortoise-shell made gaffs tied to the bird's leg. The fight is not intentionally to the death but it may result in the death of cocks very often.

Fighting cock seen in the breeding station in Cucuta, Colombia in May 01, 2006. Cockfight is a widely popular and legal sporting event in much of Latin America. The fight is usually held in an arena (gallera in spanish) with seats for spectators. There is always gambling involved in cockfights. People take advantage of cock's natural, strong will to fight against all males of the same species. Birds are specially bred to increase their aggression and stamina, they are given the best of food and care. The cocks are equipped with tortoise-shell made gaffs tied to the bird's leg. The fight is not intentionally to the death but it may result in the death of cocks very often.

Cockfight in Colombia

Jan Sochor/CON

A cockfighting rooster sleeps in the breeding station in Cucuta, Colombia on May 01, 2006. Cockfight is a widely popular and legal sporting event in much of Latin America. The fight is usually held in an arena (gallera in spanish) with seats for spectators. There is always gambling involved in cockfights. People take advantage of cock's natural, strong will to fight against all males of the same species. Birds are specially bred to increase their aggression and stamina, they are given the best of food and care. The cocks are equipped with tortoise-shell made gaffs tied to the bird's leg. The fight is not intentionally to the death but it may result in the death of cocks very often.

A cockfighting rooster sleeps in the breeding station in Cucuta, Colombia on May 01, 2006. Cockfight is a widely popular and legal sporting event in much of Latin America. The fight is usually held in an arena (gallera in spanish) with seats for spectators. There is always gambling involved in cockfights. People take advantage of cock's natural, strong will to fight against all males of the same species. Birds are specially bred to increase their aggression and stamina, they are given the best of food and care. The cocks are equipped with tortoise-shell made gaffs tied to the bird's leg. The fight is not intentionally to the death but it may result in the death of cocks very often.

Cockfight in Colombia

Jan Sochor/CON

A fighting cock's tail seen in the breeding station in Cucuta, Colombia on May 01, 2006. Cockfight is a widely popular and legal sporting event in much of Latin America. The fight is usually held in an arena (gallera in spanish) with seats for spectators. There is always gambling involved in cockfights. People take advantage of cock's natural, strong will to fight against all males of the same species. Birds are specially bred to increase their aggression and stamina, they are given the best of food and care. The cocks are equipped with tortoise-shell made gaffs tied to the bird's leg. The fight is not intentionally to the death but it may result in the death of cocks very often.

A fighting cock's tail seen in the breeding station in Cucuta, Colombia on May 01, 2006. Cockfight is a widely popular and legal sporting event in much of Latin America. The fight is usually held in an arena (gallera in spanish) with seats for spectators. There is always gambling involved in cockfights. People take advantage of cock's natural, strong will to fight against all males of the same species. Birds are specially bred to increase their aggression and stamina, they are given the best of food and care. The cocks are equipped with tortoise-shell made gaffs tied to the bird's leg. The fight is not intentionally to the death but it may result in the death of cocks very often.

Cockfight in Colombia

Jan Sochor/CON

A fighting rooster looks on in the breeding station in Cucuta, Colombia on May 01, 2006. Cockfight is a widely popular and legal sporting event in much of Latin America. The fight is usually held in an arena (gallera in spanish) with seats for spectators. There is always gambling involved in cockfights. People take advantage of cock's natural, strong will to fight against all males of the same species. Birds are specially bred to increase their aggression and stamina, they are given the best of food and care. The cocks are equipped with tortoise-shell made gaffs tied to the bird's leg. The fight is not intentionally to the death but it may result in the death of cocks very often.

A fighting rooster looks on in the breeding station in Cucuta, Colombia on May 01, 2006. Cockfight is a widely popular and legal sporting event in much of Latin America. The fight is usually held in an arena (gallera in spanish) with seats for spectators. There is always gambling involved in cockfights. People take advantage of cock's natural, strong will to fight against all males of the same species. Birds are specially bred to increase their aggression and stamina, they are given the best of food and care. The cocks are equipped with tortoise-shell made gaffs tied to the bird's leg. The fight is not intentionally to the death but it may result in the death of cocks very often.

Cockfight in Colombia

Jan Sochor/CON

A fighting cock's comb seen in the breeding station in Cucuta, Colombia on May 01, 2006. Cockfight is a widely popular and legal sporting event in much of Latin America. The fight is usually held in an arena (gallera in spanish) with seats for spectators. There is always gambling involved in cockfights. People take advantage of cock's natural, strong will to fight against all males of the same species. Birds are specially bred to increase their aggression and stamina, they are given the best of food and care. The cocks are equipped with tortoise-shell made gaffs tied to the bird's leg. The fight is not intentionally to the death but it may result in the death of cocks very often.

A fighting cock's comb seen in the breeding station in Cucuta, Colombia on May 01, 2006. Cockfight is a widely popular and legal sporting event in much of Latin America. The fight is usually held in an arena (gallera in spanish) with seats for spectators. There is always gambling involved in cockfights. People take advantage of cock's natural, strong will to fight against all males of the same species. Birds are specially bred to increase their aggression and stamina, they are given the best of food and care. The cocks are equipped with tortoise-shell made gaffs tied to the bird's leg. The fight is not intentionally to the death but it may result in the death of cocks very often.

A cockfighting rooster looks on in the breeding station in Cucuta,... News PhotoAggression,Animal,Animal Behaviour,Animal Welfare,Arts Culture and Entertainment,Blood Sport,City,Cock Fighting,Cockerel,Colombia,Cruel,Cucuta,Cultures,Death,Endurance,Farm,Feather,Fighting,Horizontal,Human Interest,Latin America,Looking,Speed,Sport,Station,Strength,Struggle,Success,Toughness,Train - Vehicle,Waist UpPhotographer Jan Sochor/CONCollection: LatinContent Editorial 2006 Jan SochorCUCUTA, COLOMBIA - MAY 01: A cockfighting rooster looks on in the breeding station in Cucuta, Colombia, 1 May 2006. Cockfight is a widely popular and legal sporting event in much of Latin America. The fight is usually held in an arena (gallera in spanish) with seats for spectators. There is always gambling involved in cockfights. People take advantage of cock's natural, strong will to fight against all males of the same species. Birds are specially bred to increase their aggression and stamina, they are given the best of food and care. The cocks are equipped with tortoise-shell made gaffs tied to the bird's leg. The fight is not intentionally to the death but it may result in the death of cocks very often. (Photo by Jan Sochor/Latincontent/Getty Images)